He had only co across the two brothers by chance, rely forming a relationship through their exchange of swordsmanship.
The two invited him to travel together, saying it was to guard against and fend off evildoers. Chen Jichuan, however, worried that the brothers harbored ill intentions and planned to harm him.
Finally arriving at Shan Island, with the mainland in sight, Chen Jichuan did not wish to take risks.
Especially since he had other plans.
"Very well."
"Mr. Chen, take extra care on your own,"
said Qian Jibang, seemingly perceiving Chen Jichuan’s concerns, and refrained from persuading further.
Qian Jimin still wanted to say sothing, but under his elder brother’s stern gaze, he dared not speak more.
...
About an hour later.
The Qingshan finally docked at Shan Island’s port.
Before disembarking, they could already hear the commotion from ashore. In an instant, it felt as if they had returned to the mortal world. The exhaustion and weariness accumulating over the past half-year dissipated considerably.
"Mr. Chen, see you again soday."
"See you again soday."
As he disembarked, countless people cupped their fists and bid farewell to Chen Jichuan. These were acquaintances Chen Jichuan had made on the Qingshan, so whom he exchanged words with, while others were re chance encounters.
After all, traveling together for half a year, whether eting again inland or back at the Mysterious Nether Sea, a semblance of camaraderie would remain.
Exchanging pleasantries was never a bad thing.
Chen Jichuan responded to each farewell politely, carrying his bundle and luggage as he walked straight away from the pier.
This journey had been truly arduous.
His rejection of the Qian brothers’ offer was not entirely fabricated. He did indeed plan to rest on Shan Island for a few days, both to adjust and to finalize his next destination.
"Sir, looking for lodging?"
"Sir, heading to ntougou?"
"Co, co, we’re heading to Little Yangpo—just short one more—just step aboard and we’ll depart..."
...
Outside the pier, the racket intensified.
One after another, drivers and hawkers shouted incessantly, so even attempting to grab Chen Jichuan’s luggage.
With one glare from Chen Jichuan, they were imdiately scared stiff, standing frozen and not daring to move.
"Hmph!"
Chen Jichuan snorted coldly and quickened his pace, leaving the pier behind.
Behind him.
The Qian brothers watched Chen Jichuan’s departing figure. Hesitating, Qian Jimin remarked, "Brother Chen’s carrying at least two magic artifacts—his holdings are quite substantial. Over this journey, others are bound to have set their sights on him. Alone, his fortune is unpredictable."
"We can’t concern ourselves with that."
"He’s innately guarded, fundantally distrustful of the likes of us. Whether he lives or dies, may blessing or misfortune find him!"
Qian Jibang shook his head.
His younger brother had a warm heart, but he himself was far more pragmatic.
The Qingshan docked.
Disembarking were not only vile riffraff but also opportunists ready to take advantage wherever convenient.
The chaos was palpable.
Qian Jibang had invited Chen Jichuan mainly because of his magical artifacts and martial skills, hoping to leverage his strength to ensure their own safety.
Since their offer was declined, he had no reason to dwell on the matter further. Leading Qian Jimin, they ventured into Shan Island’s interior.
...
Shan Island was notably large, far grander than White Jade Island and Jade Spring Island.
Leaving the pier, Chen Jichuan moved swiftly along his path, entering a forest. His expression remained blank, though his right hand gripped the Flying Rainbow Sword tightly.
Soon after entering the forest.
"Here they co!"
Chen Jichuan’s face darkened abruptly as he halted, swiftly turning to unleash a slicing strike into the air without a glance.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Sparks erupted in the air as three steel needles were deflected by his sword.
"Seeking death!"
Chen Jichuan wasted no ti; his feet stepped in sequence as his aura erupted. During his rapid advance, the Flying Rainbow Sword waved through the air, unleashing the Splashed Ink and Striped Cloth Sword Technique. Simultaneously, his left hand ford a seal, as vines sprang forth around him, wrapping toward the shadow hidden in the woods.
The air quivered.
Wind blades shot forth.
Chen Jichuan’s sword shattered them, and in this instant, he had already closed in. The dark figure struggled against the Entanglent Technique, but amid their efforts, Chen Jichuan’s sword flashed, severing their head from their body.
The assailant perished on the spot.
"Lacking skill, yet daring to imitate robbery?"
Chen Jichuan scoffed as he stepped forward and searched the body.
Nothing of notable value was found, only six mid-level talismans, one bottle of low-level pills (Qi Eater Powder), and two mid-level pills (Qi Storage Pills).
In total, the haul was worth roughly fifty to sixty Spirit Stones.
Additionally, there were the three steel needles Chen Jichuan had deflected earlier—low-level magical artifacts called ’Shadowless Needles,’ perfectly suited for ambushes and valued at around ten Spirit Stones.
"Indeed, murder and arson bring wealth!"
Chen Jichuan pocketed the talismans and pills, retrieved the three Shadowless Needles, and continued his journey deeper into the forest.
Along the way.
Chen Jichuan killed another assailant, securing various spoils before stopping to rest in the dense woods.
The two pursuing him and attempting ambushes were both Postnatal Cultivators; against the tri-path-trained, deeply rooted Chen Jichuan, they were no match for even a single exchange.
Where his sword pointed, Sword Qi tore through the air, and the two t swift ends.
All in all.
It took only a few breaths.
"Postnatal cultivators are easy to handle, but trying to counter-kill an Innate cultivator would be far more difficult."
Chen Jichuan took out a copper mirror and pointed to it, revealing the silhouette of a figure hidden in a corner of the woods. They held a conch shell in their hand, skulking mischievously, their intent unclear.
"Hmph!"
"You all want to harm !"
Having seen the figure’s face, Chen Jichuan stowed the copper mirror, stepped down with a Gang Step, and invoked a spell: "This oil is exceptional oil; the Chariot Lord gifts fire-oil against evil mages. As a disciple, I bear a flaming cap, wear fiery robes, and tread upon fire shoes. I burn eastern mages, southern sorcerers, western cultists, northern ghosts and fiendish demons, and central wicked mages and techniques, pregnant won, and all specters to ashes. I respectfully invoke the Southern Dipper Six Stars and Beidou Seven Stars. By the decree of the Pharaoh Immortal Master, hasten!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)